Vehicle signal system with control of its light intensity



G. L. WEBB April 5, 1966 VEHICLE SIGNAL SYSTEM WITH CONTROL OF ITS LIGHT INTENSITY 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 18, 1965 1. I INVEI ITOR.

George 1.. Webb April 5, 1966 Filed Feb. 18, 1963 /28 U0 U6 A34 /26 G. L. WEBB VEHICLE SIGNAL SYSTEM WITH CONTROL OF ITS LIGHT IN TENSITY 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 HEADLIGHTS FIG. 5

11' AD LIGHTS FIG 4 INVENTOR. George L Webb 16%, j wnwzxv %W United States Patent 3,244,934 l VEHICLE 'SIGNALSYSTEM WITH CONTROL 'OF ITS "INTENSITY George L. Webb, Lancaster, 0bit), =assigfnor to Essex Wire Corporation, Fort Wayne, Ind.,-?a"corporati0n.0f

Michigan Filed Feb. 18, '1963,'-Ser, No. 259,020 .12- Claims. :(CL 315-77) This invention-relates generally to electrical illuminating and signaling means, and more particularly to improvementsin dual intensity Signaling andilluminating systems of the type particularly'us'e'ful with motor vehicles.

The majority of motor vehicles in use today are equipped with multipurpose electrical filluminati'ng and signaling systems. "For example, such vehicles are cornmonly provided with illuminating lights, "which include both headlights and 'tail lights-and with sigha lin'grlig'lits which include the rear stop lights andthe 'flashing 'turn signal lights. 'The"fiashing'turn signal lights generally'a'r'e located atboththe front and rear of the vehicle-and also may includeadd'ition'al indicator "lights on the dashboard of the vehicle for-driver observation. lncertain'systems, some of the sign'aling'lights r'nayutilize'the 'saniefilam'erits as some of the illuminating lights.

Those skilled in the art appreciate-thatproblems'have existed in the prior art in regu'lating'the intensity 'o'f the signaling lights in the motor vehicle electrical system. Thus, the signaling lights mustbe of sufi'icient brilliance to be easily observed under daylight driving conditions, including bright sunlight, but must 'n'ot'be of an intensity during night driving conditions whichwould result in "a glare or undue distraction to other vehicle drivers. Many attempts have beenmade heretofore to achieves compromise between these twodis'parate requirements, but frequently such compromisearrangem'ents add load-to the flasher and system "switches, or requireadditional resistors to balance loads, and thereby resultin'w'aste of power and increased costs. I

Accordingly, it is a general'ob jectof thislinvention to providea new dual intensity automotiveilluminating and signaling system which is a considerable improvement over the dual intensity systems of the prior art.

It 'is a more specific objectoffthisinverition'to lprovide a novel dual intensity automotive illuminating and signaling system which comprises rearilluminating and signal lamps having two filaments connected such that the daylight operation of the turn signals orthe 'brake :stop switch causes the twofilam'ents to be energized in parallel from the brakestop switch and turn signal circuits for relatively brighter intensity, and the night operation of the turn signals or the brake stop switch causes only'one of the two filaments to be energized from the brake stop switch and turn signal circuits for relatively lower intensity.

It is another object 'of this invention'to' provide anovel dual intensity automotiveilluminating and signalling system, as above, wherein the operation of 'the headlight switch for night driving causes the'two' filaments of each fear lamp-to 'beenerg'ized in'series and also removes one of said filaments from the brakest'o'piswitch and'turn signal circuits whereby the operation of "the lattenduring night driving causes only the other filament .to be energized from said circuits.

It is still another-object of .this invention to provide a unique dual intensity automotive illuminating andsignaling system comprising a'dual intensity rear-lamp 'having a pair of filaments "connected such that the-filaments are energized in parallelfor relatively higher "intensity stop light or turn signal operation during daylightdrivin'g conditions, and are energized in series for steady rear light 3,244,934 PatentedApr. 5, 1966 illumination duringnight-driving conditions,-and are energized in :a unique manner for relatively lower intensity stoplight vor turn signal operation during night driving conditions. I 7

It is a further object of :this inventionto provide'a-new andimproved Qilluminatingand signaling system, as above, whichfin one embodimentcomprises-dual intensity indicatorIlampsconnected-in circuit with the rear illuminating andsignaling'lamps andwhichalso serves to indicate filamentsfailure .-in such .rear. lamps.

.It is astill further object of this inventionto provide s'uch'a new. andiimprovedilluminating and signaling syster'nlwhieh in another embodiment comprises dual intensity indicator lampsleach ha'ving a pair of filaments connected 'inia unique arrangement in the flasher circuit for providing higher orflower intensity indications .to the motor v'ehicle driver under the control of the headlight switch. I

It is still another object of this invention to provide such-anew and improved illuminating and. signaling systemwhich in still another embodiment comprises dual intensity rear llamps-and -clual intensity indicator .lamps for'de'sirable daylight andnight operation which does not reguire'the use of any relays so as toprovidea-relatively low cost and trouble fr'ee system.

ltris 'afstill further object of'this invention to .provide a new and improved dual intensity motor vehicle illuminating'and signaling system, as above, which is characterizedfbyits 'efiiciency and adaptability to present turn signal switches, stop switches, flashers, and headlight switches without increasing theloa'd on thesedevices.

The 'novel features which i are characteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in'the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its organization and method of: operation, togetherwith further objectsandfadvantages thereof, will best be .understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction "withthe accompanying drawing in which:

"FIGURE lisan electricalschemat-ic circuit diagram of one illustrative embodiment of adua'l intensity illuminating and signaling :system illustrating the principles -of the presentr'invention;

"FIGURE 2 is. an electrical "schematic circuit diagram of another illustrative "embodiment of a dual intensity illumina'ting and signaling system embodying the ,present invention wherein the indicator lamps are connected in series with "the rear lamps "for indicating filament'failure in 'therear "lamps aswell'as providing a turn signal iridieating function;

FIGURE 3 is an electrical schematic circuit diagram of still another illustrative embodiment of the invention comprising indicator lamps having filament pairs therein such that the'rear lamps and the indicator lamps are of the dual intensity 'type witha higher intensity output during daylight driving operation and with a lower intensity outputduring :-'night driving operation;

FIGURE 4 is an electrical schematic circuit diagram o'fafur'ther embodimentof'the invention having dual inten'sity indicator lamps and'dual intensity rear lamps and compri-singa headlight switch with additionalcontacts for eliminating the headlight relay;

FIGURE "5 is anelectrical schematic circuit diagram of a 'stillfurtherillustrativeembodiment of the invention having dual intensity indicator lamps and dual intensity rear lamps, and comprising a'headlight switch with additional contacts for eliminating all relays from the illuminating and signaling circuit.

Referring now -to the drawing, and more particularly to FIGURE -1 "thereofl'there isshown one illustrative embodiment ofthe invent-ion which-illustrates its basic princliples and operation. A's shown in'FIGUR'E l, the novel electrical illuminating .and signaling system advantafor observation by the driver), a left rear signaling lamp 18, and a right rear signaling lamp 20. For purposes of simplification, and to better illustrate, the principles and operation of the present invention, the automobile head: lights are not shown in the circuit of FIGURE 1, although those skilled in the art will appreciate that normally, such headlights will be connected to a headlight switch in the illuminating and signaling circuit. I

The various signaling lamps identified 'hereinabove are connected in circuit with a brake stop switch 22, a turn signal switch generally identified at 24, a flasher or circuit interrupter 26, and a headlight switch 28 which,'as set forth, in greater detail hereinbelow, serve to operate the signaling lamps at a lower intensity output when the headlight switch is operated under night driving conditions.

While the turn signal switch 24 may .take any suitable form known in the art, for purposes of illustration, the turn signal switch 24. has'been shown as comprising a number of stationary contacts 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, and 42, a pair of movable contact members 44 and 46, with the movable contact member 44 being operatively asso ciated with' the stationary contacts 30, 32, 34 and 36, and withthe movable contact member 146 being operatively associatedwith the stationary contacts 36, 38, 40 and 42. The movable contact members 44 and 46 are adapted to' be moved from one operating position to another by means of a turn signal operating arm 48 of the type which frequently is positioned on the steering column of a motor vehicle. The .turn signal operating arm 48 generally is mounted for selective operation 'in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, as indicated bythe arrows 50. Thus, when the turn signal operating arm 48 is movedin one direction to indicate a right turn, the movable contact member 46 is moved from the solid line position to the dotted line position, as shown in FIGURE 1, to complete an electrical circuit between the stationary contacts 36, 38 and 40. Similarly, when the turn signal operating arm 48 is pivoted in the other direction'to indicate a left turn, the contact member 44 is moved from the solid line to the dotted line position to complete an electrical circuit between the stationary contacts 32, 34 and 36.

As shown in FIGURE 1, the stationary contact 36 in the turn signal switch 24 is a common contact between both contact members 44 and 46 and is connected to a flasher or circuit interrupter 26 of the type well known in the art for repetitively interrupting the electrical circuit so as to cause the turn signal lamps to blink or flash and provide a warning signal. The flasher 26 is returned to the positive terminal 52 of the power supply,'which in a motor vehicle may be a six volt, a twelve volt, or a twenty volt battery, or even a larger battery of any desired size.

The stationary contact 34 of the turn signal switch 24 is connected to the filament of the left indicator lamp 14 and to the filament of the left front turn signal lamp 10. The stationary contact 38 of the turn signal switch 24 is connected to the filament of the right indicating 1amp'16 and to the filament of the right front turn signal lamp 12. Stationary contact 30 and stationary contact 42 of the turn signal switch 24 are connected by the conductor 54 to a contact 56 of the brake stop switch 22, the other contact 58 of which is connected to the positive power supply terminal 52. Thus, the depression of the foot brake by the operator of the motor vehicle closes the contacts 56 and 58 of brake stop switch 22 to energize the conductor 54 from the power supply and light the rear signaling lamps 18 and 20,- as-described' hereinbelow.

- The stationary contact 32 of the turn signal switch 24 is connected to the relay winding 60, which is returnedto ground, while the stationary contact 40 of the turn sighal switch 24 is cenne'c'ted to the relay winding 62;

which also is returned to groiund. The contacts 64 and 66 associated with relay winding 60 are connected in a circuit between the positive power supply terminal 52 and the junction of the filaments 68 and 70 within the left rear signaling lamp 18. The filament 68 is returned to ground while the fi1arnent=70 is connected by means of the conductor 72 to an armature contact 74 associated with the relay winding 76 in the headlight switch circuit. The contacts 78 and 80 associated-with the relay winding 62 are connected ina circuit with the positive power supply terminal 52 and the junction of the filaments 82. and 84 in the right rear signaling lamp 20. The filament 82 is returned to ground while the filament 84 is connected to the conductor 72 which, as described above, is connected to the movable armature contact 74 associated with the headlight switch relay 76. v

The headlight switch 28 comprises a manually operable button 86 which normally is mounted on the dashboard of the motor vehicle and which, when operated, serves to close the circuit between the contacts 88 and 90? for energizing the headlight switch relay winding 76.

When the relay winding 76 is not energized, i.e., when the headlight switch is unoperated during daylight driving conditions, the relay armature contact 74 is electrically engaged with a ground terminal. However, during night driving conditions, when the headlight switch 86 is actuated to energize the headlight relay winding 76, the armature contact 74 is. placed in electrical contact with the positive terminal 52 of the power supply.

The operation of the inventive system shown in FIG- URE 1 now will be described. During daylight driving operation, the headlight switch button 86 will not be operated with the result that the headlight relay winding 76 is not energizedand the armature contact 74 associated therewith is connected to ground. This results in groundbeingconnected by the conductor 72 to the filament 84 of the rightrear signaling lamp 20 and to the filament 70 of the left rear signaling lamp 18. Thus, the dual filaments in each rear signaling lamp are connected in parallel fromtheir junctions to ground.

When the brake stop switch 22 is operated by the brake foot pedal, a power energizing circuit is completed from the positive terminal 52 of the power supply through the conductor 54 and the stationary contacts of the turn signal switch 24 to energize the relay windings 60 and 62-respectively. The energization of relay winding 60 7 causes its contacts 64 and 66 to be closed to supply energizing current from the positive battery source 52 to the dual filaments 68 and 70, in parallel, of the left rear signaling lamp 18. Similarly, the energization of the relay winding 62 closes its contacts 78 and 80 to supply energizing current from the positive battery terminal to the filaments 82 and 84, in parallel, of the right rear signaling lamp 20. Thus, operation of the brake stop switch 22 will energize the dual filaments of both rear lamps to cause such lamps to have a relatively higher intensity output ofthe type necessary for daylight driving conditions.

Also, the operationof the turn signal switch 24 under daylight driving conditions will cause both filaments in each rear lamp to be energized in parallel to provide a blinking or flashing light of. relatively higher intensity. This is effected bymeans of the circuit completed between the flasher 26, the common stationary contact 36 of the turn signal switch 24, the contact member 44 or 46 of the turn signal switch arm 48, dependent upon the direction of rotation of such switch arm, and the associ ated relay 60 or 62. Since under daylight driving conditions,- the energization of either relay 60 or 62 results in the parallel energization of the dual filaments in each rear signaling lamp, a relatively higher intensity output is obtained sufficient to provide a flashing warning signal even in bright sunlight. 'Also, it will be-appreciated that the euitbe'tween the flasher 26 and the-respective ones of the front signaling lamps andindica tor lamps. Thus, if the turnsignaloperatorarm48is rotated to indicate a right turn for example, thecon-tact' memb'er 46w'ill close a circuit between the flasher-26 and the -right indicator lamp 16 plus the right front signaling lamp 12 to provide afiashinglight observable from the front of the motor vehicle and on the dashboard of the motor vehicle.

Under night-driving conditions, however, the headlight switch button 86 will be operated to close its contacts 88 and 90. These, in turn, cause the headlight relaycoil 76 to be 'energized to place the movable armature contact 74 'i-n electrical engagement with thejpositive terminal 52 of the po'wer. supply. Theenergization of the conductor 72in: this mannerthen causes the dual filaments in each reanlamp to be energized in series :to provide arear running. light for the motor vehicle.

When the brake stop switch 22- or the turnsignal switch 24- is operated, the"turn-signalrelay coil 60 or 62 will be 'en'e'r'gizedtin'the mannerdescribed 'hereinabove. Since, underl-these conditions, there will be no potential differencexacross the-lamp-filament connected to conductor 72 in 'each rear lamp,: signaling current will be supplied only through the remainingigroun'd connected filament of the (lamp. 'For'exarnple, if'the vturnsignal relay coil'60 is energized, -by either the brake stop switch 22 or the turn signal :switch '24,'positive potential from the battery source '52 will besupplied to the junction of the two filaments 68 and 70 in the left rearlarnp 18. Filament 70 however, is connected at its other end to the positive terminal of-t-he -battery by'vir-tue of the contact 74 in the headlight relay and therefore, nosignaling current willpass through filament 70. However, signaling current will flow through filament =6-8-so that the two filaments 68 and 70 are energized in a series circuit arrangement to provide -a"signaling output having a relatively lower intensity than the signaling output obtainedduring daylight operation. This lo-wering'ofthe signaling lamp output under night time conditions -prevents interference with the observation ability' of the vehicle drivers immediately behind the motor vehicle.

FIGUREZ illustrates another embodiment of the invention 'whereinthe dashboard indicator lamps 14 and 1'6 also may -bel provided witha dual intensity output. In FIGUR EZ, theicircuit element corresponding to the elements of the FIGURE 1 circuit are identified by the same reference numerals and need not be further described herein. FIGURE-2 circuit diifers, however, in that the filamentslofeachirear signaling lamp are not directly connectedto the power? supply terminal 52 through the turn sign'ali relay contacts. Rather, the'left indicator lamp '14, in parallel with 1aresistance94, is connected between the -1power;supply positive terminal 52 and the contact 64 of the left turn Isignal relay coil 60, While the right indicator lamp 16, zinparallel with the resistance 92, is connected between :the power supply positive terminal 52 and the contacti78:ofthe right turn "signal relay coil 62.

In the operation of the FIGURE 2 circuit, the energization of the left turn signal relay coil 60, for example, closesits Lcontactsto cause energizing current to flow in series through the indicator lamp 14 and the left rear .s'ignaling lamp 18. Similarly, energization of the right turn signal'relay coil 62 closes its contact to cause enerqgizing current-to flow in series through'the right indicator -lamp.:16iand the right rear signaling lamp .20. When the turn :signal switch .24 is operated to provide an interrupted energization of relay coil 60 or 62, this interrupted current flows lthrough the indicator lampsto provide a proper T-flashing signaling light to the operator of the -motor vehicle. Bothindicator lamps will beenergized ata steadyrate whenthe brakestop switch-22 isoperated. .Asexpl'ained above, the current through the rear signaling lamps is decreased under night operating conditions -due :tothe operation of the headlight switch 2810 provide alowerintensity output. Since the current'flow through 6 a rear signaling "lamp also fio'ws through its associated indicator lamp in 'thecircuit'of FIGURE-2, its output will be' of a relatively lowerintensity-under nighttime driving conditions, therebyipreventing-iany undue interference with the individual observation of the motor vehicle driver.

T he resistances 94 and 92 Jacrossthe indicator lamps 14 and 16, respectively, are provided to prevent interruption of current-flow to the rear signaling lamps in the event of indicator'lamp'filament'failure. Also,ithe-indicator lamps serve to provide a-n'indication of filament failure in the rear'si gnaling lamps since"th'e -opening of such filaments will interrupt or reduce the current flow through the indicator 'lamps to Warn the driver of this defective :condition.

Another alternative embodiment of-the invention is shown in FIGURE 3 ot" theldrawing wherein similar components-have been identified by similar reference numerals, with respect to the circuit diagramszofFIGURES l and 2. In this embodiment, the dashboard indicator lamps are provided with dual filaments in a mannersimilar to the rear signaling lamps toprovi'de 'dual intensity operaenergizing circuits to ground. ments are energized equallyto; provide a relatively higher :intensity output under such daylight driving conditions.

tion, and a 'pair of separatesignaling lamps are'used at both the right rea'rand the left rear ofithe motor vehicle.

-As shown in FIGURE 3, the-left rear signaling lamps comprise the lamps lS havingthe-dual filaments 68 and 70 plus the la'mp 96 having the dual filaments 9.8 and 100. A warning lamp 1'02 is connected between the junctions ofthe dual filaments in each left rear signaling lamp such that the failure of a filamentin either of the left rear lamps provides an unbalance across warning lamp 102 to indicate 'such filament failure to the motor vehicle operator. In addition, the junction of the filaments 68 and 70 in signaling lamp 18'is connected to the turn signal switchcontact'66 While the junction .of filaments'98 and 100 of rear. signaling lamp 96 is connected to the -turn signal contact 112. Thus, :the two left rear signaling lamps '18 and 96 operate :in-parallel in the manner of a single rear signaling lamp inthe circuits described with respect to FIGURES 1 and 2. The right rear signaling lamps 1'04 and .20 are connecte'din parallel in a similar manner with a warning lamp connected thereacross for providing indications to the motor vehicle operator of right rear lamp filament failure. It should be noted that when .there is filament failure-during tail light operation, the warning lamps 102 or 110 will .indicate this'failure by asteady glow, while such filament failure during night :turn signaloperation is indicated by a \fiashing or blinking of the Warning lamps.

In addition, the circuitof FIGURE 3 comprises a plurality of added-contacts associated with the head light relay winding 76. These contacts include .the armature contact 118 which is associated with the .contactslZi) and 122, respectively,'connected acrossthe filament 130 in the .left'indicator lamp 126. The remaining filament 128 in indicator lamp 126 is connected betweencontact 120 and ,ground. In addition, the armature contact 124 :is connected to ground and'is operatively associated with the contact 125 which is connected to the indicator lamp filament 130. In the operation of the FIGURE 3 circuit, the energization ofthe head light relay winding 76 causes the contact 124 .to break from contact 125, and also causes thecontact 118 to break from contact 120 and to .make with the contact 122. As a result,-an electrical energizing circuit is completed'from the flasher 26 through the contacts -118 and 122 to energize the'clual filaments 128 and of indicator lamp 126 in series. Thus, during such'night driving operation, the indicator lamp will have a relatively lower intensity-output. During daytime driving operation, however, the headlight relay winding 76 is not energized with the result that-the 'two filament windings 128 and 130 are .connected in :parallel ,from the In "this event, 'both fila- 7. The right indicator lamp 132 and its two filaments 134 and 136 are connected in a similar manner through the headlight relay winding contacts 138, 140, 142 and 144 with the result that dual intensity output also is provided therefrom.

Referring now to FIGURE 4 of the drawing, there is shown an electrical schematic circuit diagram of still another illustrative embodiment of theinvention. The circuit of FIGURE 4 in many respects is similar to the circuit of FIGURE 3 and corresponding circuit elements have been identified by similar reference numerals. The FIGURE 4 circuit, however, differs primarily from the FIGURE 3 circuit in the elimination of the headlight relay 76. This has beenachieved by the provision of certain additional contacts on the headlight switch 28 which serve to perform the circuit make-break functions previously controlled by the headlight relay.

As shown in FIGURE 4, this embodiment comprises a left indicator lamp 126 of the dual filament type, a right indicator lamp 132 of the dual filament type, left and right front turn signal lamps and 12, respectively,

left rear signaling lamps 18 and 96, which are connected in parallel. and are of the dual filament type, and right rear signaling lamps 20 and 104, which also are connected in parallel and are of the dual filament type. Each pair of rear signaling lamps is provided with a warning lamp, such as lamp 102 or lamp 110, connected thereacross to indicate filament failure in the rear signaling lamps, in the manner described hereinabove with respect to the FIGURE 3 circuit.

The FIGURE 4 embodiment differs primarily from the FIGURE 3 circuit in that the headlight switch 28 comprises a plurality of contacts which are adapted to make and break electrical circuits in each of the three operative positions of the headlight switch. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that when the headlight switch knob 86 is in its normal, fully in position, neither the headlights or the parking lights of the automobile are energizcd. When the headlight switch knob 86 is pulled outwardly to its first operative position, the headlights of the automobile are still not energized but the parking lights are energized in accordance with well understood operation. When the headlight switch knob 86 is pulled all the way out, then the headlights are fully energized as required for night driving operation.

In accordance with a feature of this invention, the headlight switch 28 shown in the circuit of FIGURE 4 comprises five banks of contacts, each contact bank having the three operating positions described hereinabove. Thus, the contact bank 150 comprises the contacts 160, 162, and 164 which are connected together by the conductor 166 to the filament 130 in the left indicator lamp 126. Contact bank 150 also comprises the contacts 170 and 172 which are connected together by the conductor 174 to the contact 34 in the turn signal switch 24. Contact 168 in contact bank 150 is connected to ground. A contact wiper 176 is mechanically coupled to the headlight switch knob 86 such that when the knob is in the fully in position, a circuit is completed between contacts 160 and 168 of contact bank 150. Under these conditions, the filament 130 of left indicator lamp 126 is connected to ground so as to bein parallel with the remaining filament 128 in the left indicator lamp 126. Thus, when the knob 86 of the headlight switch is fully in under normal daytime driving conditions, the left indicator lamp 126 will have an output of a relatively higher intensity.

- When the headlight switch knob 86 is pulled outwardly to the parking light position or to its outermost headlight energizing position, to thereby close the circuit between contacts 162 and 170 or the circuit between contacts 164 and 172, the filament; 130 in the left indicator lamp 126 is connected by the conductor .174 to the stationary contact 34 in the turn signal switch 24. Under these conditions, the left indicator lamp 126 will have a relatively lower output in the manner described hereinabove; such as is desirable under night driving conditions. 9

Referring now to the contact bank 152 in the headlight switch 28, it can be seen that this contact bank comprises only the contacts 180 and 182 which are bridged by the wiper 184 when the headlight switch push button is in the fully in or daytime driving position. Under these conditions, the junction of the dual filaments in the left indicator lamp 126 will be connected directly to the contact 34 in the turn signal switch 24 to providela parallel energization of the dual filaments through the flasher 26 under daytime driving conditions, thereby giving a relatively higher intensity output. When the headlight switch knob '86 is pulled outwardly to the parking light or headlight energization position, the dual filaments 128.;and in left indicator lamp 126 .can only be energized in series to give the desired relative lower output during night driving operations.

The contact bank 154 is similar to the contact bank but is connected to control the right indicator lamp 132 for each operating position of the headlightiswitch. Thus, in the daytime or fully in position of the headlight switch knob 86, the contacts 186 and 188 are bridged by the Wiper 190 to connect the filament 134 of right indicator lamp 132 to ground. This permits dual filaments to be energized parallel for relatively higher output during daytime driving operation. However, when the'headlight switch knob 86 is pulled to theparking light or headlight energization position, then the contacts 192 and 194 or 196 and 198, are respectively bridged .by the wiper 190 to connect the junction of the dual filaments in the right indicator lamp 132 to the contact 38 in the turn signal switch 24. As explained hereinabove, this pen mits a relatively. lower flashing output from the right indicator lamp 132 under night driving operations.

The contact bank 156 of the headlight switch 28 comprises a pair of contacts 200 and 202 which are connected by the wiper 204 when the headlight switch knob 86 is in its fully in position. This serves to connect the junction of the dual filaments 134 and 136 in the right indicator lamp 132 to ground to permit the two filaments to be energized in parallel under daytime driving operation. When the knob 86 is pulled outwardly to its parking light position, this permits the contact 206 to be connected by wiper 204 to the contact 208, thereby completing a circuit from the power supply positive terminal 52 and the fuse 210 to the parking light power lead 212 to thereby energize the parking lights of the automobile. When the headlight knob 86 is pulled all of the way out, this enables the contact 214 to be electrically connected by the wiper 204 to the contact 2 16 to thereby complete the circuit between the power supply terminal 52 and the filaments of each of the rear signaling lamps 18, 96, 104 and 20. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this serves to energize the rear running lights under night driving conditions. It also will be noted that each of the dual filaments in each rear lamp are energized in series so as to provide a relatively lower output under night driving operation.

Referring to the contact bank 158, it can be seen that the fully in position of the headlight knob 86 completes an electrical circuit from ground, through the contact 2 18, the wiper 228 and the contact 230 to the filaments 84, 108, 98 and 70 of the rear signaling lamps. This causes the dual filaments in each rear signaling lamp to be connected in parallel to provide a relatively higher intensity output under daylight driving conditions. When the headlight knob 86 is pulled out to the parking light position, a circuit is completed between the contacts 232 and 220 by the wiper 228 to connect the positive power supply terminal 52 to the aforementioned filaments in the rear signaling lamps to cause these lamps to have their filaments energized in series to provide a relatively lower intensity rear running light. However, when the headlight switch knob 86 is pulled to its outermostor headlight'energization position, the wiper 228 completes acir- "cuit between the contacts 226 and 224 to cause the-head light power lead 234 to be energized from the positive power supply terminal 52 through the fuse 222.

Thus, it can be seen, from the above detailed description of the construction and operation of the FIGURE4 circuit, that all of the desired operations for dual intensity energization of the novel illuminating and signaling circuit may be achieved without the necessity of a headlight relay,'as in the case of the circuits of FIGURES 1, 2, and 3 described above. This elimination of the headlight relay has been effected by the provision of the additional contacts on the headlight switch 28 which provide the desired circuit make-break operations for each of the three headlight switch positions.

Still another advantageous circuit embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGURE of the drawing. The FIGURE 5 circuit is similar to the FIGURE 4 circuit with the exception that only two rear signaling lamps are shown and with the further exception that all operating relays have been eliminated. In particular, the turn switch relays "60 and 62 which are used in the FIG- URE 4 circuit for controlling the rear signaling lamps 'have been eliminated in the circuit of FIGURE 5 by the particular connections of the additional headlight switch that five contact banks are provided, wherein each contact bank includes up to three pairs of contacts corresponding to the fully in, the parking light, and the headlight energization positions of the headlight switch knob 86. Since each of these contact banks 150, #152, 154,

156 and 158 correspond to the related contact banks of the headlight switch 28 in the circuit of FIGURE 4, their operation is Well understood from the above desoription and need not be repeated herein.

In accordance with the novel feature of the FIGURE 5 circuit, the turn signal relays are eliminated by connecting the contact 32 of the turn signal switch 24 directly to the junction of the filaments-68 and 70 in the rear signaling lamp 18 and by connecting the contact-40 of the turn signal switch 24 directly to the junction of the dual filaments 82 and 84 in the right rear signaling lamp20. Thus, these rear signaling lamps are energized directly upon proper operation of the turn signal-switch 24 or upon operation of the brake stop switch 22. It will be appreciated that the circuit of FIGURE 5 is a highly desirable embodiment since the elimination of all relays has materially reduced the number of components and the construction cost of the inventive illuminating and signaling circuit.

While there has been shown and described a specific embodiment of the present invention, it will, of course,

source; a headlight switching circuit connected to said power source; said stop signal and turn signal circuit icorn prising a rear lamp having a pair of filaments, .a'turnsignal switch, a stop signal switch, first circuit means responsive to the operation of said turn signal switch or said stop signal switch for connecting said pair of "filamentsin parallel to saidpower source for-providing a rear lam'p signa'l output at a relatively higher intensity level under daylight driving conditions, and second circuit means-responsive to the operation of said headlight -'swit'ching'circuitior connecting said pair of "filaments in series tosaid power source for providing a rear-lamp illu-minating'output under night driving conditions, said second circuit-means also serving-upon operation of said headlight switching-circuit-to inhibit the energization or one of said-pair of filaments by said turn signal or stop sign-a1switches toihereby provide a-rear'lamp signal out- -put at 'a relatively lower intensity level under night -"drivingconditions. 5

2. The'improvement of adual intensity electricalturn signal system Ifor use -in-a-=motor vehicle comprising an electrical power source; a turn signal circuit connected to said power source; a headlight switching circuit connected to said power source; :said turn signalcircuibcomp'rising a rear-lamp havingia pair of filaments, 'a turn signal switch, aiflasher adapted-to-be con- 'nected to said turn signal switch, first circuit means responsive to the operation of said turn signal switch for connecting-said pair of filaments in parallel to-said power source an'd saidfl'asher "for" providing a rear lamp flashing turn sig'nal output at .a relatively higher intensity level under daylight driving conditions, and second circuit means responsive "to the operation of said headlight switching circuit 'Efor-inhibiting the energization ot-one of said pair 'df'filaments'by saidturn'signal switch to thereby provide (a rear lamp flashing turn signal output at a relativelylowerintensity levelunder nightdriving conditions.

3.The improvement of adual intensity electrical illuminating and signaling system for use ina motor vehicle having illuminating lamps, signaling lamps and turn in- 'dicator lamps 'cornprisingsarrelectrical: power source; a

stop signal and turn signal circuit connected to said power source; a headlight switching circuit connected to- -said powersou'rce; said stop signal-and turnfsignal circuit comprising a rear lamphavinga pair of filaments, aturn signal switch, a stop signal switch, first electromagnetic relay means responsive to the-operation of said'turmsignal switcher-said stopsignal switch for connecting said 1 pair of filaments in parallel to said power :sourcefor providing a rear lamp signaltoutput at arelatively-higher intensity level under daylight driving conditions, and 1 second electromagnetic :relay means responsive to the operation of said headlight switching circuit for connecting said-pair offilamen'tsin series I to said power-source for providing :a rear lamp illuminatingioutput .under night tdrivingfconditions, said'second electromagnetic'relayvmeans also serving upon operation of said :lheadlight switching "circuitto Jinhibit lthe energization of one of saidpairof filaments by said turn signal or :stop ;signal switches 'to thereby :provide a rearlamp :signal output at a relatively lower intensity level under night driving conditions.

4. The improvement ota dual intensity electrical sig- 'naling .system comprising an electrical power source; a :signaling circuitconnected to said powersource; a switching circuit connected ;to said power source; said-signaling circuit comprisingazlampihaving a pair of :filarnents, a flashing signal .switch a first circuit means responsive to the 'operationof said flashing signal switch for connecting "said pair of filaments in parallel to said power source for providing a lamp flashing signalxoutput at a -relatively higher intensity level, and second circuit means :responsive to the operation of said switching circuit'for connectingsaid pairl'of filaments in series to said power source vforproviding a lamp constant illuminating output, said second circuit means also serving upon-operation of saidswitching circuit to inhibit theenergization of one of :saidwpair of filaments by'sa-id flashing signal switch to therebyprovide .a lamp :flashin'g signal output at a relatively lowerlintensity level.

5. The improvement of a dual intensity electrical illuminating and signaling system for use in a motor aza goaa vehicle having illuminating lamps, signaling lamps and turn indicator lamps comprising an electrical power source; a stop signal and turn signal circuit connected to said power source; a headlight switching circuit connected to said power source; said stop signal and turn signal circuit comprising a pair of rear lamps each having a pair of filaments, a turn signal switch, first circuit means responsive to the operation of said turn signal switch for selectively connecting thepair offilaments in one of said rear lamps in parallel to said power source for providing a rear lamp signal output at a relatively higher intensity level under daylight driving conditions, and second circuit means responsive to the operation of said headlight switching circuit for inhibiting the further energization of one of said pair of filaments of the energized rear lamp by said turn signal switch to thereby provide a rear lamp signal output at a relatively lower intensity level unde night driving conditions. 7

45. The improvement of a dual intensity electrical villuminating and signaling system for use in a motor vehicle having illuminating lamps, signaling lamps and turn indicator lamps comprising an electrical power source; turn signal circuit connected to said power source; a headlight switching circuit connected to said power source; said turn signal circuit comprising a rear lamp having a pair of filaments, a turn signal switch, a flasher, first circuit means responsive to the operation of said turn signal switch for connecting said pair of filaments in parallel with said power source under control of said flasher for providing a rear lamp flashing signal out- .put at a relatively higher intensity level under daylight driving conditions, and second circuit means responsive t'o'the operation of said headlight switching circuit for connecting said pair of filaments in series to said power source for providing a rear lamp illuminating output under night driving conditions, said second circuit means also serving upon operation of said headlight switching circuit to inhibit the energization of one of said pair of filaments by said turn signal switch to thereby provide a rear lamp flashing signal output at, a relatively lower intensity level under night driving conditions, said first circuit means also serving to connect an indicator lamp in serieswith said rear lamp upon operation of said turn signal switch to provide a flashing indicator signal output of relatively higher intensity during daylight driving conditions and of relatively lower intensity during night driving conditons.

7. The improvement of a dual intensity electrical illuminating and signaling system in accordance with claim 6 wherein said indicator lamp serves to indicate by change of intensity output any filament failure in said rear lamp and further comprising a conductive circuit element connected thereacross to maintain the energization of said rear lamp in the event of filament failure in said indicator lamp.

8. The improvement of a dual intensity electrical illuminating and signaling system for use in a motor vehicle having illuminating lamps, signaling lamps and turn indicator lamp's comprising an electrical power source; a turn signal circuit connected to said power source; a headlight switching circuit connected to said 'power source; said turn signal circuit comprising 'a pair of parallel connected rear lamps each having a pair of filaments, a turn signal switch, first circuit means responsive to the operation of said turn signal switch for connecting the pair of filaments in each rearlamp in parallel to said power source for providing a rear lamp signal output at a relatively higher intensity level under daylight driving conditions, and second circuit means operation of said headlight switching circuit to inhibit the energization of one of said pair of filaments in each rear lamp by said turn signal switch to thereby provide a-rear lamp signal output at a relatively lower intensity level under night driving conditions.

-9. The improvement of a dual intensity electrical illuminating and signaling system in accordance with claim 8 further comprising a warning lamp connected between the filaments of said pair of rear lamps for indicating by its energized condition the existence of a filament failure in either of said pair of rear lamps.

10. The improvement of a dual intensity electrical illuminating and signaling system for use in a motor vvehicle having illuminating lamps, signaling lamps and turn indicator lamps comprising an electrical power source; a turn signal circuit connected to said power source; a headlight switching circuit connected to said power source; said turn signal circuit comprising a rear lamp having a pair of filaments, an indicator lamp having a pair of filaments, and a turn signal switch, first circuit means responsive to the operation of said turn signal switch for connecting the pair of filaments in each of said rear and indicator lamps in parallel to said power source for providing an indicator lamp and a rear lamp signal output at a relatively higher intensity level under daylight driving conditions, and second circuit means responsive to the operation of said headlight switching circuit for inhibiting the energization of one of said pair of filaments in-each of said indicator and rear lamps by said turn signal switch to thereby provide an indicator and rear lamp signal output at a relatively lower intensity level under night driving conditions.

11. The improvement of a dual intensity electrical illuminating and signaling system for use in a motor vehicle having illuminating lamps, signaling lamps and turn indicator lamps comprising an electrical power source; a turn signal circuit connected to said power source; a headlight switching circuit comprising a plurality of selectively operable contacts adapted to be connected to said power source; said turn signal circuit comprising a rear lamp having a pair of filaments, a turn signal switch, first circuit means responsive to the operation of said turn signal switch for connecting said pair of, filaments in parallel to said power source for providing a rear lamp signal output at a relatively higher intensity level under daylight driving conditions, and second circuit means responsive to the selective operation of the contacts within the headlight switching circuit for connecting said pair of filaments in series to said power source for providing a rear lamp illuminating output under night driving conditions, said second circuit means also serving upon the selective operation of said contacts within headlight switching circuit to inhibit the energization of one of said pair of filaments by said turn signal switch to thereby provide a rear lamp signal output at a relatively lower intensity level under night driving conditions.

12. The improvement of a dual intensity electrical illuminating and signaling system for use in a motor vehicle having illuminating lamps, and turn indicator lamps comprising an electrical power source; a turn signal circuit connected to said power source; an illuminating switching circuit including a plurality of selectively operable daylight, parking light and headlight contacts adapted to be connected to said power source; said turn signalcircuit comprising a turn signal lamp having a pair of filaments, a turn signal switch, first circuit means responsive to the operation of said turn signal switch for connecting said pair of filaments in parallel to said 'power source for providing a turn signal lamp signal output at a relatively higher intensity level under daylight driving conditions, and second circuit means responsive to the selective operation of said illuminating switching circuit to said parking light and parking light contacts for connectng said pair of filaments in series with said power source for providing anfilluminating lamp output under night driving conditions, said second circuit means also serving upon operation of said headlight switching circuit to said parking light and headlight contacts to inhibit the energization of one of said pair of filaments by said turn signal or stop signal switches to thereby provide a turn signal lamp output at a relatively lower intensity level under night driving conditions.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 625,219 5/1899 Truitt 315191 1,112,903 10/1914 Ham 315 191 2,501,017 3/1950 Abrums 315--191 3,148,306 9/1964 Onksen et a1. 31582 GEORGE N. WESTBY, Primary Examiner. 

4. THE IMPROVEMENT OF A DUAL INTENSITY ELECTRICAL SIGNALING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN ELECTRICAL POWER SOURCE; A SIGNALING CIRCUIT CONNECTED TO SAID POWER SOURCE; SAID SWITCHING CIRCUIT CONNECTED TO SAID POWER SOURCE; SAID SIGNALING CIRCUIT COMPRISING A LAMP HAVING A PAIR OF FILAMENTS, A FLASHING SIGNAL SWITCH, A FIRST CIRCUIT MEANS RESPONSIVE TO THE OPERATION OF SAID FLASHING SIGNAL SWITCH FOR CONNECTING SAID PAIR OF FILAMENTS IN PARALLEL TO SAID POWER SOURCE FOR PROVIDING A LAMP FLASHING SIGNAL OUTPUT AT A RELATIVELY HIGHER INTENSITY LEVEL, AND SECOND CIRCUIT MEANS RESPONSIVE TO THE OPERATION OF SAID SWITCHING CIRCUIT FOR CONNECTING SAID PAIR OF FILAMENTS IN SERIES TO SAID POWER SOURCE FOR PROVIDING A LAMP CONSTANT ILLUMINATING OUTPUT, SAID SECOND CIRCUIT MEANS ALSO SERVING UPON OPERATION OF SAID SWITCHING CIRCUIT TO INHIBIT THE ENERGIZATION OF ONE OF SAID PAIR OF FILAMENTS BY SAID FLASHING SIGNAL SWITCH TO THEREBY PROVIDE A LAMP FLASHING SIGNAL OUTPUT AT A RELATIVELY LOWER INTENSITY LEVEL. 